Zoo-notable
By PJ Beaven
Zoo-notableApr 15, 2024
How Bad Are Bananas- Earth Month Special
We're closing out Earth Month and celebrating Earth Day with a special book on how we can reduce our carbon footprint: How Bad Are Bananas by Mike Berners-Lee. I personally loved how the author doesn't push us to do EVERYTHING in the book, just giving us information and empowering US to make the choices that are right for each one.
We'll discuss the Rebound Effect, how our health impacts the environment, and ways we can do what we can while taking care of ourselves.
Want to check out the book yourself?
Earth Month Special: Stark Beauty of Last Things (Cli-Fi) with author Celine Keating
As overdevelopment and sea level rise threaten the town of Montauk, an unexpected legacy grants the fate of its last undeveloped parcel to Clancy Frederics, an outsider scarred by his orphaned childhood. Everyone in town has a stake: Julienne, an environmentalist and painter fighting to save the landscape that inspires her art; Theresa, a bartender whose trailer park home is jeopardized by coastal erosion; and Molly and Billy, who are struggling to hold out against pressure to sell their home.
Join me as I sit down to discuss The Start Beauty of Last Things with author Celine Keating, in my first Cli-Fi (climate fiction) book on Zoo-notable.
Want to read the book yourself?
Last Chance to See- Special Earth Month Zoo-notable
What happens when science-fiction humor author Douglas Adams takes biologist Mark Carwardine on adventures all over the world to experience some of the rarest and most endangered species on earth? We get one of my favorite books on endangered species, Last Chance to See.
To celebrate Earth Month, I'm dedicating all my episodes to environmental books. If you are a fan of Douglas Adams, or want to read an entertaining account of a serious subject matter, Last Chance to See is the perfect book for you.
Note to Self- Special Interview with Author Laurie Buchanan
We're closing out Women's "Empowerment" Month with a banger-- an interview with author, life coach, and wonderful mentor Laurie Buchanan, author of Note to Self, a Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth. We discuss her book and using color (the energy and feeling of color) to help us, along with breathing, and affirmations.
Check out Laurie's work, find a copy of her books at your local bookstore, listen to the Sean MacPherson series on audio (while supporting your local bookstore), or check it out at your local libary.
What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage
It's a Flashback day on Zoo-notable as I discuss a book from 2008, What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage by Amy Sutherland. An oldie but a goodie.
We'll talk about animal training, but how it pertains to US, personally-- how to change our behavior, how to use animal training methods, why to avoid punishment, and why we should NEVER take our healthy habits for granted (ie- always reinforce them!).
Want more Zoo-notable goodness, help support ZooFit, and connect with me in a unique fun way? Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon. One lucky patron will win a copy of What Shamu Taught Me.
Related Zoo-notables: Eye of the Trainer with Ken Ramirez
Zoomility by Dr. Grey Stafford
Atlas of the Heart Part 2
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown is such an incredible book, I couldn't contain it to one single episode. So, here's part 2 of ways we can connect better through understanding our emotions.
There are a ton of resources, but mainly, if you want more from Brené Brown, visit her website at brenebrown.com. There is also a self-compassion test you can take and more resources at self-compassion.org.
Related Zoo-notables include Part One of Atlas of the Heart as well as Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown, I Never Thought of It That Way by Monica Guzman, and Love 2.0 by Barbara Fredrickson.
Zoo-notable is a passion project of ZooFit, where we learn to take better care of ourselves so we can take better care of the animals and the world. When we feel better, we can do better. If you like what we are doing, consider joining the ZooFit Pride on Patreon. Get more insights with bonus Big Ideas, sneak peaks at future projects, and connect with me and other like-minded ZooFitters.
Brené Brown- Atlas of the Heart- Celebrating Women in March
Brené Brown is one of my heroes, bordering on idol for me. And this book took my breath away. I'll definitely return to it time after time to help me understand and map out my own emotions and allow myself grace and vulnerability to feel.
We're celebrating women all month, and kicking off with a doozie, so return next week as we continue our deep dive into Atlas of the Heart
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon and stay up to date by joining my newsletter
Party for Polar Bears: Special Tell Me a Story with Cindy Roberts
Cindy is a special heroine of mine, getting involved with Polar Bears International and AAZK's Trees for You and Me program to help the furry loves of her life, polar bears, and combat climate change.
She came up with the concept of Party for Polar Bears at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium as a fundraiser with their local AAZK chapter. Their success has led to raising over $46,000 for conservation.
Sitting down with Cindy to share her story is such a treat, and with International Polar Bear Day right around the corner (February 27), you have time to Party for a GREAT cause, and learn ways you can make a big difference.
Learn more about Polar Bears International
And support Party for Polar Bears-- February 29, bid on items in the auction, have fun with the Polar Bear Crawl in Proctor, or donate to the cause!
Animal Allies
Animal Allies- 15 Amazing Women in Wildlife Research is perfect for younger audiences and inspiring them to go for their dreams. Whether studying ants, turtles, big cats, or whales, these women show integrity, passion, grit, and resilience in their field.
Check out a copy of Animal Allies at your local library or grab a copy for yourself or someone you know.
Check out some of these related Zoo-notables:
Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols
Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology by Stephanie Schuttler
Support ZooFit and Zoo-notable by signing up for my newsletter at ZooFit, or joining my Pride on Patreon. Get bonus material, sneak peaks at my projects, and chances to win cool prizes.
Year of the Dragon Special: How to Train Your Dragon
Happy Lunar New Year to everyone, and welcome to the Year of the Dragon. I can't wait to share today's book, How to Train Your Dragon by Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (translated by Cressida Cowell). It's very different from the movie, and worth a listen to the audio book, which you can get for free on Libby . It's a fun read, and has some poignant lessons that animal trainers, in particular, I think will get a kick out of.
If you'd like a chance to win a copy of How to Train Your Dragon, AND support ZooFit/Zoo-notable, AND receive bonus material or sneak peaks at future projects, AND be a part of something awesome and amazing, join ZooFit Pride on Patreon.
Dear White People
Let's get (un)comfortable discussing racism in this very special discussion on the book Dear White Women by Sara Blanchard and Misasha Suzuki Graham. It was a real eye-opener, and touches on very important issues, so I encourage everyone to read it (not just White Women).
Check it out for yourself- at your local library or grab a copy for yourself (highly recommended so you can reference again and again)
Related Zoo-notables, special Black History Month episodes:
Join Patreon and the ZooFit Pride for bonuses and more Big Ideas!
Killing Imaginary Friends- A Special Interview with Ardelle Holden
Today, I welcome Ardelle Holden, 4-time published author of mysteries (one of my favorite genres to read to just kick back and get away from it all). We're discussing her upcoming book,Killing Imaginary Friends, Book One of the Oliver Frampton Mystery Series. If you like suspenseful, emotional, coming-of-age angst, you’ll love Ardelle's gripping story of Olly’s imaginary friends who torment and frustrate his life until, at twenty, he discovers what really happened when he was eight.
He must solve the mystery behind their death or disappearance, but after all these years, the trail is bone cold.
Interested in reading? Nab a copy for yourself January 30 on Amazon.
Follow Ardelle online and find out more about her other books.
When Elephants Weep-- The Emotional Lives of Animals
This week's book is one of those unique books that while I found some decent Big Ideas, I mostly felt it was the type of book that I read so you don't have to. I discuss anthropomorphism, emotions in zoo animals, and animals as virtuous guides.
If you want to learn more about the Emotional Lives of Animals, check out the book from your local library or listen to it on Libby App (free library audio book app).
Related Zoo-notables: I Never Thought of It That Way
Support ZooFit: join my newsletter and Patreon
Miracle Morning for Writers (and everyone else)
How can being a better writer help us be better zookeepers, better conservationists, or just improve our quality of life, help us accomplish our goals and dreams, and change the world?
Delve into the Miracle Morning for Writers to find out how we can use affirmations to beat Imposter Syndrome, change our mindset around mornings, and create mini-habits that make a big difference.
Want to check out the Miracle Morning series yourself? Find a title that speaks to you and your goals for this year? Find your Miracle Morning here.
Join the ZooFit Pride online at Patreon. Support ZooFit and all our endeavors, receive bonus material, and win cool ZooFit/Zoo-notable prizes.
Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod- Season 4 Premiere
For Season 4 premiere, I'm revisiting Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (listen to the very first Zoo-notable I ever did, see how much I've changed...). Hal came out with an updated and extended version of his life-changing book, so I decided it was a perfect opportunity to delve into the wonderful program Hal has created, and how I've made it my own.
Check out Miracle Morning for yourself, and make 2024 the best year ever, one morning at a time! Buy the book here.
Other related Zoo-notables that may interest you:
Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabrielle Oettingen
Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
ZooFit is reviving our Patreon- get bonus Big Ideas and other extras throughout the month, plus be put in a drawing to win a copy of one of the Zoo-notable books from the month. Join the ZooFit Pride for perks and support ZooFit to make 2024 the best we can be!
World Coati Day- Zoo-notable Special Interview with Colby Franz
December 3 is World Coati Day. So I sat down with Colby Franz of World Coati Day to discuss this incredible animal! We need coatis and coatis need us. Even though they are not a mega-fauna, this charismatic creature is worth our attention.
Want to learn more? Connect with World Coati Day online on their website (and sign up for their newletter to get adorable animal photos delivered to your inbox), Facebook , and Instagram.
And thank you to all the zoos celebrating World Coati Day, especially:
Zoo-Notable Moments (Look back at 2023)
In my season finale, I share with you all my favorite books from 2023. I read more than 60 books this year, and shared ideas from 30 of them over the past year.
10. Geekerella/Once Upon a Con Series
9. A Dog Called Hope
8. Thanks, Carissa, for Ruining My Life
7. Raised by the Zoo
6. Wisdom From a Humble Jellyfish
5. Odder
4. Man's Search for Meaning
3. It Takes What It Takes
2. High Five Habit
1. I Never Thought of It That Way
Check out these Zoo-notables and more, and I'll catch up with you all in January, 2024!
Special Interview with Gerry Creighton, Elephant expert and author of "Raised by the Zoo"
It was such an immense pleasure to sit down with one of my animal care heroes, Gerry Creighton, the former operations manager at Dublin Zoo and currently consultant of Global Elephant Care, a company he founded to help zoos promote excellent welfare for elephants and other animals. This guy is the real deal, someone who has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Dublin Zoo from Victorian menagerie to the world class facility it is, and continues to help its progress.
When I saw Gerry had written a book, I- COULD NOT WAIT to get my hands on it, and folks, the book does not disappoint.
We sat down to discuss his book, how far zoos have really come, and how far we have yet to go.
Raised by the Zoo is available on Amazon for US residents on December 7, so reserve your copy today!
Orangutan Caring Week Special Episode: Telling My Story and Love the Orangutan by Stefan Casta
This week is Orangutan Caring Week (celebrate Orange is for Orangutans on the Wednesday of OCW, which is November 15th). I read a cute little book called Love the Orangutan by Stefan Casta and Anna Viktorson, which I picked up, believe it or not, at IKEA. It's a really sweet book, sharing interesting facts about orangutans, and it's illustrated very well.
Reading about orangutans reminded me of my time working in the primate unit and getting the chance to help with the orangutans. It was very special, and then an orangutan spit in my face.
This Telling My Story shows what animal trainers do when animals "misbehave"-- and how we can apply a similar response to our own lives when we don't show up as our best selves, when we make mistakes.
Everyone Has What It Takes with author Bill Kenower
"As hard as the craft of writing is, the greatest challenges writers face are often within ourselves. Comparison, self-doubt, isolation, and other internal struggles can derail a writer's progress, at any stage in the writing life. Author, essayist, and speaker William Kenower knows these struggles first-hand, and hears them from writers everywhere he teaches and appears. In this candid and encouraging book, he dismantles the myth that some writers have talent and others don't, and shares relatable stories, wisdom, and best practices for reengaging with our passion, following our curiosity, and staying connected to what matters most.
If you've ever wondered whether you're "really" a writer, or should retreat to a safer, more conventional path, this enlightening and accepting book will spark renewed purpose and joy on your writing journey."
Happy NaNoWriMo, everyone (my writing friends know what I'm talking about!). I was very excited to sit down with just an incredible writing life coach, and mentor, Bill Kenower, author of Everyone Has What It Takes.
We discuss many topics that can block us as writers, but find the link to just about any profession as well. In my interview, I even got to practice some of Bill's expert advice, dealing with a learning opportunity (NOT a failure), and discuss rejection, getting in "mood" and "flow" for writing, comparing ourselves to others, and having what it takes.
Bill is a great coach, a wonderful speaker and storyteller! If you like this Zoo-notable, check Bill out on his website, and grab a copy of Everyone Has What It Takes for yourself. You'll thank me, I promise!
Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy (S3E38)
You ever find yourself procrastinating? Well then, my friend, it's time to Eat That Frog!! Brian Tracy gives us 21 good reasons to figure out the most important work for your life and day and get on it already. Big Ideas include Setting the Table for Success (planning and the 10 goals list), Visualizing Who You Want to Be, the ABCDE Method, Identify What is IN YOU that holds you back, and Thinking Positive.
If you like this Zoo-notable, please share and leave a review.
You may also be interested in these related Zoo-notables:
Miracle Morning and Miracle Equation by Hal Elrod
Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabriele Oettingen
As always, leave me a comment on ZooFit.net to let me know your thoughts, ideas, and other questions.
Grit to Great by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval
As we approach Halloween, I thought the topic of grit might be appropriate, and how we can gain a little more resilience, tenacity, and initiative in our lives.
I discuss big ideas like learning grit, rejection and failure help us succeed, minding the gap between effort and success, developing a growth mindset (becoming more like bamboo), and helping others helps us stay gritty.
If you liked this Zoo-notable, you can check out the book for yourself.
Want to see how powerful grit can be? Check out Chris Beaven's website for his DAILY art (over 10 years without a missed day!).
Like this book on Grit? You might like these other Zoo-notables as well:
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
How do you reduce the gap between the life you live now and the life you want? How can choosing our response be our one truest freedom that no one on earth can take away?
These profound questions have helped guide me for the past 4 years, and they are thanks to a Nazi concentration camp survivor and psychiatrist who developed Logotherapy, Viktor E. Frankl and his amazing book Man's Search for Meaning.
I learned about Frankl and his principles through my Optimize Coaching program (now called Heroic). You can check it out, sign up for Premium or Coaching, both are incredibly affordable for the life-changing experience offered!
Find the book: Your Local Library, Buy Online (support local bookstores!)
Connect with me at ZooFit.net to let me know what you thought of this episode and for more content through blogs, newsletters, and events
Telling Amazing Stories with Miranda Levi- author of Mo(ther) Na(ture)
I love it when I get to catch up with amazing friends while also discussing their amazing stories. Miranda Levi is a prolific author with three novels (Tear in Time, From a Youth a Fountain Did Flow, and Mo(ther) Na(ture))and a book of poetry (In Orion's Hands) out already, and isn't slowing down anytime soon.
She sat down with me to discuss her latest project, Mo(ther) Na(ture), and discuss our writing process and life lessons we learned together.
MEMORIES!
Want to connect with Miranda and get a copy of MoNa yourself? Check her out on social media:
Training Thor- V-Spins and Targets (Telling My Story)
What is the most important behavior to teach an animal? For me, when working with dolphins, it was the "target". Teach an animal to touch a target and the sky's the limit to training other behaviors. Working with Thor, a bottlenose dolphin, and teaching him and other dolphins to perform a vertical spin jump helped me learn the value of a target behavior-- the one thing that will propel my well-being forward.
What is your "target" behavior? We'll discuss some options like sleep, drinking water, or celebration as the foundation upon which the rest of your self-care program will stand.
Connect with me at ZooFit, and learn more ways to feel better, so we can do better by training positive!
Tell Me a Story with Shannon McKinney of GRAZE
GRAZE (Growing Resiliency in Aquarium and Zoo Employees) is an amazing organization dedicated to helping animal care professionals maintain their mental health and promote strategies for staying resilient in a stressful and often chaotic world.
Whenever I talk to Shannon, we tend to geek out about treating ourselves more like the animals in our care, and today is no different. It's a FANTASTIC conversation, something for everyone.
Want to connect with GRAZE? Check them out-- they offer group support, classes, certifications, and more-- https://zoomentalhealthsupport.com to sign up for their newsletter and learn more.
Connect with me at ZooFit, too to stay connected and learn how when we feel better, we can do better!
Reconfigured with author Barbara Wolf Terao
I love chatting with my published author friends, but this was an especially wonderful treat, sitting down with author Barbara Wolf Terao to discuss her memoir Reconfigured. Barbara met on the gorgeous Whidbey Island as both of us started on our journeys towards writing our stories. She's completed hers, and honored me with the chance to read the book, which is a moving, uplifting, and just overall well-written and incredible story of life.
We talk about the writing process and getting your story out there, being advocates to your own care, and finding peace and getting centered (Nam Myoho Renge Kyo).
If you are interested in getting your own copy of Reconfigured, visit Bookshop (support your local bookstore) or She Writes Press.
Learn how to get your story out to your audience at She Writes Press
Wisdom from the Wild by Julie C. Henry
To celebrate National Wildlife Day on September 4, I pulled out this fun book about leadership, titled Wisdom from the Wild: Nine Unbreakable Laws of Leadership from the Animal Kingdom, by Julie C. Henry. I recommend this book to anyone in a leadership role, or who WANTS to be in a leadership role, or thinks they may be put in a leadership role. We focus on five of the nine "laws" because I feel they are important not just for leaders, but anyone looking to improve their life, their work, or their relationships with others.
If you enjoyed this Zoo-notable, or want to check the book out for yourself, you may want to see if your local zoo has a copy, or support your local bookstore through Bookshop.
And as always, connect with me at ZooFit.net to share your ideas, thoughts, and stories! We grow stronger when we grow together.
Asian Elephant Awareness Month-- Bamboo's Orange and Palm Oil
In this special Telling My Story episode of Zoo-notable, I share the origins of ZooFit, and sharing this program with others. Palm oil has become a "nope food" for me, specifically because of my time working with elephants. To honor Asian elephant Awareness Month, I'm closing this month's Zoo-notable with my story of Bamboo, the elephant, and my connection with visitors and conservation messages.
What is ONE THING you can change to have a better impact on an animal you love dearly? Ride your bike for polar bears? Cut out plastic for sea turtles? Eliminate palm oil from your diet for elephants? Take better care of yourself and have a positive impact on the planet. Start feeling better so we can do better. Today, tomorrow, and forever.
And if you are in Honolulu this week-- check out Brews for the Zoo at Aloha Beer Company on August 31. They have a special Indian Elephant Pale Ale in honor of Mari and Vaigai, the two elephants I work with nowadays at Honolulu Zoo. Check it out!
Want to share your story? Want to give me thoughts on mine? Or recommend a book? Connect with me at ZooFit!
Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
Do you find meditation, mindfulness, affirmations, and visualization to be a little too “woo-woo” for your taste? I honestly thought the same until I read this beauty of a book (actually listened to it on CD) many years ago. It literally changed my mind, and changed my life.
In today’s Zoo-notable, we’ll discuss how Creative Visualizations by Shakti Gawain helped shape my daily affirmation practice of BREATHES. We’ll learn the concepts of Being, Doing, and Having, discover how we can train our brain to LOOK for ways to make our dreams and ambitions come true, and how to let the Universe take care of things with the Pink Bubble Technique.
Love this Zoo-notable? Check the book out for yourself on your library app (Libby) or grab a copy for yourself from your local bookstore.
Let me know what your favorite affirmation or meditation is. Connect with me at ZooFit.
Related Zoo-notables: High Five Habit by Mel Robbins
Interview with Dallas Woodburn of Thriving Authors (Zoo-notable S3E28)
Dallas Woodburn is a successful author and "book doula" who helps authors reach into themselves to write their stories. She's a coach with Thriving Authors Academy and author of several Young Adult books, including Thanks Carissa, for Ruining My Life, which we discuss in-depth on this Zoo-notable.
While a fiction book mostly aimed at young adults, Thanks Carissa helps teach some poignant lessons about life, self-care, and personal goals.
If you want to nab a copy for yourself, find your local bookstore, and connect with Dallas on her website.
Learn more about Thriving Authors (the FREE Summit and the 6-month Academy course)
Share your story with me at ZooFit.
Our stories have power to heal us, to help others, and make the world a better place. When we feel better, we can do better. Let's feel better and do better together!
A Peacock in the Land of Penguins
How do you courageously stay true to yourself in a new place where there are new expectations, new challenges, and new people? We create a culture and a Land of Opportunity among the Land of the Penguins.
I liked this book for the possibility of starting an open discussion among peers and within organizations. But as I discuss, I'm not so keen on the lesson to find Land of Opportunity elsewhere. I think it's a state of mind that can be discovered anywhere and everywhere...
Related Zoo-notables:
Telling My Story: My Big Why (How to become an animal trainer)
I'm continuing my new segment "Telling My Story" that I started in June. No one told me to stop, so I'll keep on sharing!
This week I share how I got into the animal care field, how my Big Why gives me persistence to never give up, and how YOU can harness the power of your Big Why as well.
Connect with me at ZooFit.net
We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee
Have you ever wanted your own personal zoo? YOUR zoo? Where you could do all the things you'd love for the animals and conservation? Well, We Bought a Zoo is for you-- about the hardships and challenges, as well as the immense pleasure and healing being THAT close to nature can get you.
Through animal escapes, family heartbreak, staffing challenges, and working to gain their accreditation back, this story shares the ups and downs to owning, working, and living the zoo life.
The book also brings about some powerful big ideas about leaning on your strengths, connecting to nature, staying positive and consistent in your endeavors, and learning to thrive in a fragile ecosystem, whether that's the planet or in a corporate setting.
As one of the first books I read when I moved to Washington in 2009, I find it fitting that I'm discussing it on Zoo-notable now that we just recently moved away to Hawaii for me to continue working in the zoo field. The parallels between Benjamin Mee's story and what I'm experiencing made it a no-brainer to share with you all.
If you liked this Zoo-notable, you might also enjoy:
Wildlife Warrior (bio about Steve Irwin)
Zookeeper Dreams and Travel Extremes
Lads Before the Wind by Karen Pryor
And pick up a copy of the movie on Bookshop, too!
Writer in a Life Vest- A Conversation with Author Iris Graville
I had the honor and joy to sit down and talk with local writer Iris Graville about her newest book Writer in a Life Vest. Iris was the first ever writer-in-residence aboard the MV Tillikum, the inter-island ferry between several of the San Juan Islands in Washington state. Iris writes poetically about her experience, her writing process, the Salish Sea, the local Southern Resident killer whales, and hopes for the future.
It's a terrific collection of essays, and a great way to wrap up World Oceans Month.
If you are interested in learning more about the Washington State Ferry writer-in-residence program, contact Iris at https://irisgraville.com/
And if you have a special story you wish to share with others, next month is dedicated to zookeepers, so drop me a note at ZooFit to connect with me.
World Ocean Month Special- Tell Me a Story with Megan Paider (Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium)
June has a lot of significance to everyone-- Pride Month, Juneteenth, and World Oceans Month. To celebrate the latter, I sat down with Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium staff biologist Megan Paider to talk about our passion and love for the ocean, sharing that passion with visitors, and ways to promote mental health in a very stressful work environment (and how it's never "just a fish").
Want to learn more?
Check out GRAZE (Growing Resiliency in Aquarium and Zoo Employees) to find out more about taking care of yourself.
Learn more about Megan's (current) favorite animal Bowmouth Guitarfish, and my favorite, Sea Squirts.
And go visit your local aquarium! Connect to the ocean in a healthy and positive way (here's the link for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium).
*Sorry this is late! I was on vacation in Montana and just didn't have any time to edit or post. Which is a great thing once in a while, honestly...
Soul of an Octopus (World Ocean's Month) by Sy Montgomery (S3E22)
Celebrating World Oceans Month is one of my favorite things on Zoo-notable. There are so many incredible books out there, but this one, The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery resonated with me from beginning to end. Sy has a way with bringing her readers to experience exactly the excitement and wonder she discovers with her stories about amazing animals.
Check out footage of Sy the Octopus (named for the author, but not part of the book). And discover more about octopus from Seattle Aquarium (my current hometown aquarium and one of my favorite places to visit).
Discover more Sy Montgomery books, featured on Zoo-notable: How to Be a Good Creature
And discover more podcasts that discuss the importance of zoos and aquariums: Rossifari, Zoologic, and AquatiZoo
Want to check out Soul of the Octopus yourself? Grab a copy for you and a friend, or find it at your local library
Celebrate World Oceans Month and Zoo and Aquarium Month by visiting your local aquarium, tide pool/beach, or marine center. Connect with the ocean in a healthy and positive way!
Telling My Story- Chapter 1: Watoto's Rumble
As I transition back into the zoo field, I know I won't be able to maintain the momentum of one book every week, so to be able to continue my love for this podcast, connect with listeners, and motivate me to continue working on my stories, I want to introduce a new segment Telling MY Story to help others. This idea is sort of a Podcast to Book idea, where I'll share a chapter or excerpt from my memoir, tentatively (not excitedly) titled What Animals Taught Me About Self-Care, or My Gym is a Zoo. (if you have a great idea for a title, please feel free to email me or connect with me at ZooFit.net)
For Pride Month, I feel sharing this part of my story is important. I believe everyone deserves to be seen and heard, everyone deserves to belong and experience love, and EVERYONE deserves to treat themselves right, provide self-care. My hope with this book is to empower and inspire you to take care of yourself so you can show up for those who matter to you-- whether it's your animals, your loved ones, or the entire planet.
Let me know what you think of this idea. Are you excited to hear more from my book? Do you relate to my origins in feeling knee pain, back pain, and mental health issues? How can I help with that? And do you think my stories will help you along your own journey?
Again, connect with me at ZooFit. Let's be our best selves today, tomorrow, and forever, making self-care fun, engaging, impactful, and empowering, one day at a time!
Staff Sargent Jason Morgan and A Dog Called Hope
Talk about two worlds coming together! I was nervous but very excited to sit down and talk to Jason Morgan, the Wounded Warrior whose book A Dog Called Hope opened my eyes to more than animals and conservation. Jason is SUCH an inspiration, and folks, we need more people like him to give us ALL hope, encouragement, and a call to action.
Want to learn more?
Check out the book for yourself: A Dog Called Hope
Learn more about Canine Companions for Independence
Jason Morgan and Veteran's Outpost
Spoilers with Suzanne Akerman
I sat down with the multi-skilled Suzanne Akerman of Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium to discuss her fascinating dystopian adventure novel The Deliverers. We talk about spoilers, her job at Wild Wonders at PDZA, and her involvement with the American Association of Zookeepers. Whew! It's a lot!
I share a spoiler of my own, as well!
We go over A LOT! Basically:
Support Suzanne and pick up a copy of her book The Deliverers (and support local bookstores in the process)
Learn more about AAZK and Point Defiance chapter's events: Rowdy for Rhinos, Drinking for Conservation, other fun events
Check out Extraordinary Creatures and How to Care for Them at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, every day throughout the summer.
As always, if you liked this episode, stay updated with ZooFit's projects, connect with ZooFit online
Karen Pryor's Don't Shoot the Dog! (S3E18 Zoo-notable)
Today's Zoo-notable was a no-brainer as it is Karen Pryor's birthday. It's also appropriate for Mother's Day because I consider Karen the Mother of positive reinforcement training.
Don't Shoot the Dog is considered the animal trainer's bible. But it isn't just for training animals, it's about teaching and learning for everyone! There's so much to share, and I can't wait to discuss it with you!
Want a copy of Don't Shoot the Dog for yourself (or know someone who needs a copy)? Grab a copy from Karen Pryor Clicker Training, and check out some of the training courses offered at Karen Pryor Academy (I highly recommend courses held at The Ranch!)
Related Zoo-notables: Lads Before the Wind by Karen Pryor
The Eye of the Trainer by Ken Ramirez
Atomic Habits by James Clear- Part One and Part Two
As always, stay connected with ZooFit online, so you can eat clean, live green, and TRAIN POSITIVE everyday!
Go Wild by John Ratey and Richard Manning
In this essential book for anyone interested in tapping into and unleashing their true potential as humans and their wild nature, we'll discuss why we have brains (it's not for thinking!), how being mindful helps us both physically and mentally, dealing with stress, and connecting with nature.
Want to be inspired by my inspiration? Check out Heroic and Brian Johnson's Philosopher Notes (you'll see a HUGE similarity)
Related Zoo-notables:
And connect with ZooFit, so you can shine bright as the best version of yourself, today, tomorrow, and forever!
Nature's Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy
We're closing Earth Month with yet one more book at ways we can improve our world by improving our relationship with our neighbors...our wild neighbors and connecting with nature in our own backyards: Nature's Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy
Get a copy of Nature's Best Hope yourself, or check it out at your local library (you can listen to it on audio, too)
Related Zoo-notables: Where the Wild Things Were and Last Child in the Woods
Connect with ZooFit for more on how to provide self-care for you and the planet
Earth Day Special- Once and Future World
In The Once and Future World, MacKinnon invites us to remember nature as it was, to reconnect to nature in a meaningful way, and to remake a wilder world everywhere. He goes looking for landscapes untouched by human hands. He revisits a globe exuberant with life, where lions roam North America and ten times more whales swim in the sea. He shows us that the vestiges of lost nature surround us every day: buy an avocado at the grocery store and you have a seed designed to pass through the digestive tracts of huge animals that have been driven extinct.
Celebrate Earth Day Weekend with a book that changes our relationship with nature and encourages us to remember, reconnect, and reignite our love for the planet.
Want this book? Check it out at your local library
Connect with ZooFit for more ways to channel the best version of yourself while promoting a healthy environment and a healthy you.
Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish (and other self-care advice from nature) by Rani Shah
I LOVED Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish because it taught me a little about interesting animals (I honestly didn't think about the different types of webs spiders weave, or how dragonflies catch their prey) while also imparting important self-care lessons that can help us all.
I even thought of my own wisdom from nature idea, perfect for April 9, 2023, as we celebrate Easter!
Want to find your own great tips from nature? Grab Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish and discover how learning from nature can help yourself!
Learn more from nature with these related Zoo-notables: Where the Wild Things Were; Queer Ducks; How to be a Good Creature; and Be a Sloth
Learn even MORE from nature at my ZooFit.net blog: Self-Care Tips from the Animal Kingdom; Life-Lessons from a Sloth; Lessons from a Tiger; I Love Horses (and the lessons they share); and more!
Odder by Katherine Applegate- Children's Book Day/Earth Month
Meet Odder, the Queen of Play:
Nobody has her moves.
She doesn't just swim to the bottom,
she dive-bombs.
She doesn't just somersault,
she triple-doughnuts.
She doesn't just ride the waves,
she makes them.Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself--and about the humans who hope to save her.Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature's most beloved and charming animals.
If this book sounds incredible to you (trust me, it really is!) you can nab your own copy here
Check out similar Zoo-notables: The Lorax by Dr. Suess
Clare Meeker and Growing Up Gorilla
Reach out to me, PJ with ZooFit and discover ways to improve your life and the world around you by connecting to nature and wildlife in healthy and positive ways
I Never Thought of It That Way (by Mónica Guzmán) (Zoonotable S3E12)
Are you ready to build bridges and create safe spaces where difficult conversations can happen, and REALLY understand one another? I Never Thought of It That Way can open your eyes and show us how curiosity and experiences make us better people, creating a better world.
There is SO MUCH I loved about this book. Enjoy this Zoo-notable and reach out to meet others where they are. It's powerful and empowering!
Ideas discussed that you can take action on:
Individual Differences Research- Human Values Test
Grab a copy of the book yourself: I Never Thought of It That Way
Connect with ZooFit (as I explore this topic further on my blog)
In the Flo by Alisa Vitti
We couldn't celebrate Women's Month without a deep discussion of the powerful, and empowering book In the Flo by Alisa Vitti. This book is about unlocking the secrets of our cycle and letting it work WITH us, rather than ignoring it or pushing it back.
Want to get In the Flo yourself? Get it here
Discover In the Flo Living(I myself tried the Flo28 program for a year, and it's really great!)
As always, connect with ZooFit online, and remember to live green and train positive!
High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins
What is probably the best self-care habit we can incorporate into our lives? How about high-fiving yourself every morning. Welcome to Mel Robbins' fantastic book, the High 5 Habit.
Mel Robbins is a successful life coach. Her TED Talk -- How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over-- has over 31 MILLION views, and there's a reason for it, it's epic. (In fact, check it out even before you listen, Mel is a fracking genius!) You can also check out her first book The 5-Second Rule.
Get a free template for your own High 5 Journal (you do need to sign up for Mel's newsletter to receive it).
Connect with ZooFit and all our work to help you become the best version of yourself each and every day.
Women's History Month-Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis
To kick off Women's History Month, I sat down with three of the authors from the She Writes Press anthology Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis: Women Writers Respond to the Call. Barbara Terrao, Donna Cameron, and Teresa Janssen generously shared their experience and insight on their pieces in the anthology, talking about the power of stories, and of our voices and words, and how writing and sharing our experiences makes us stronger.
Check out the book yourself:
Bookshop (better alternative to Amazon)
Connect with our authors:
Share you stories with me and the world. Contact me at pj@zoofit.net or through my website ZooFit